Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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The early diagnosis of infection or sepsis in burns are important for patient care. Globally, a large number of burn centres advocate quantitative cultures of wound biopsies for patient management, since there is assumed to be a direct link between the bioburden of a burn wound and the risk of microbial invasion. Given the conflicting study findings in this area, a systematic review was warranted. ⋯ The evidence base for the utility and reliability of quantitative microbiology for diagnosing or predicting clinical outcomes in burns patients is limited and often poorly reported. Consequently future research is warranted.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Massage has no observable effect on distress in children with burns: A randomized, observer-blinded trial.
In a previous observational study we found that massage therapy reduced anxiety and stress in pediatric burn patients. We aimed to test this effect in a randomized controlled trial. ⋯ Massage therapy with or without essential oil was not effective in reducing distress behavior or heart rate in hospitalized children with burns. Evaluating the effectiveness of massage in terms of relaxation proved difficult in young children.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Hypnosis for reduction of background pain and pain anxiety in men with burns: A blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled study.
'Background pain' and 'pain anxiety' are among the numerous problems of patients with burns. Non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions have been used to reduce background pain and pain anxiety. This study compared the effectiveness of hypnosis and 'neutral hypnosis' (as a placebo in the control group) in decreasing the background burn pain and pain anxiety of adult male survivors with burns. ⋯ Hypnosis is effective in reducing background pain quality and pain anxiety of men with burns.
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This study developed a predictive model for fires and burns among parents and children in Jefferson County, Kentucky. Eight risk factors for pediatric burns with census tract level data available were identified. Risk factors were synthesized to develop a cartographic model with risk levels low, medium, high, and severe. ⋯ Risk was correlated with fire incidence rate (ρ=0.67, p<0.001). Significant risk factors were race (β=0.54, p<0.001), education (β=0.38, p<0.001), and year home built (β=-0.17, p=0.005). Cartographic modeling is a underutilized tool to identify at-risk areas.
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Scar massage is used in burn units globally to improve functional and cosmetic outcomes of hypertrophic scarring following a burn, however, the evidence to support this therapy is unknown. ⋯ It appears that there is preliminary evidence to suggest that scar massage may be effective to decrease scar height, vascularity, pliability, pain, pruritus and depression in hypertrophic burns scaring. This review reflects the poor quality of evidence and lack of consistent and valid scar assessment tools. Controlled, clinical trials are needed to develop evidence-based guidelines for scar massage in hypertrophic burns scarring.